Musharraf’s trial: a defining moment

Addressing the National Assembly, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has indicated filing a written request before the Supreme Court for trying former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf for treason under Article 6 of the Constitution. The ex-military strongman may face a possible death penalty or life imprisonment, if convicted. Nawaz Sharif said that the former President had committed treason by abrogating the constitution and he should be tried under the law.It is, indeed, a defining moment in our history, which will set our direction right and will act as a deterrent against the takeover of the country through unconstitutional means by military dictators in future. Sometimes extreme decisions have to be taken to punish those who have destroyed the very fabric of our constitution. It is, however, pertinent to mention here that Musharraf was not the only one who should be tried for treason. To bring transparency to the legal process, all those who are found to be the abettors should also be taught a lesson along with the dictator.DR IRFAN ZAFAR, Islamabad, June 24.